Marine Animals in Canada

Canada’s wildlife is not only within our borders but also on our coasts and oceans. Learn more about the species that live in Canada’s three oceans.

Whales, dolphins and porpoises

Whales, dolphins and porpoises are all within the same group of animals called cetaceans. These air-breathing mammals are found in all oceans of the world, including Canada’s three oceans. The easiest way to tell the difference between these animals is whether they have teeth or not. Cetaceans are subdivide into mysticetes (baleen whales) and odontocetes (toothed whales, dolphins and porpoises).

Pinnipeds are a group of marine mammals, mostly seals but also sea lions and walruses, which spend their lives in the ocean and on land. These animals normally spend time on land, but are fin-footed allowing them to swim efficiently in water.

Many species of shark can be found in Canadian waters from large Basking Sharks to smaller species. These large cartilaginous skeleton fish can be seen coastally in the water and sometimes wash up on beaches as well.